Leading from the Front: Working with Gallup to Elevate Our People Strategy

Leading from the Front: Working with Gallup to Elevate Our People Strategy

the people perspective

Leading from the Front: Working with Gallup to Elevate Our People Strategy

Authored By Julie Catalano

Julie Catalano

I am thrilled to share an exciting update! In our relentless pursuit to be the best at people, Bespoke has made a strategic decision to engage with Gallup, a global analytics and advisory firm renowned for providing valuable insights and solutions to organizations.

You might recall that in previous postings I detailed Bespoke’s commitment to maximizing the impact of talent for our clients and that we practice what we preach with our own team. We do so by nurturing a positive culture, focusing on performance and operational excellence, and developing our leaders and human capital strategy.

Now our Gallup engagement raises our talent empowerment initiatives to an entirely new level, serving as a strong indicator of our commitment to leading from the front and prioritizing our most valuable asset: our people.

 

Unlocking Employee Engagement with Gallup’s Q12

gallup q12 survey exampleGallup’s Q12, a widely recognized framework for measuring employee engagement, will play a pivotal role in our journey. Comprising 12 scientifically designed questions, the Q12 delves deep into various aspects of the employee experience, from relationships with supervisors to growth opportunities and alignment with our mission and values.

By utilizing this comprehensive tool, we gain insights into our employees’ engagement levels and identify the drivers of high performance, productivity, and loyalty within our organization.

 

Fostering a Culture of Trust and Open Communication

Our decision to engage with Gallup aligns perfectly with our unwavering commitment to building a culture of trust, transparency, and open communication.

By implementing Gallup’s comprehensive survey methodology, we create a safe space for our employees to share their honest opinions, concerns, and suggestions, knowing that their voices will be heard and acted upon. This collaborative approach strengthens our team bonds and nurtures a supportive work environment.

 

bespoke culture

 

Driving Continuous Improvement for Success

At the heart of our work with Gallup lies our shared objective of continuous improvement.

The employee surveys conducted by Gallup provide us with valuable insights, enabling us to identify areas where we excel and areas that require attention. Equipped with this knowledge, we develop targeted initiatives and interventions to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.

By embracing this feedback loop, we empower ourselves to adapt, innovate, and deliver exceptional results for our employees and clients.

 

Embarking on a Transformative Journey

Having recently received our survey results, we are embarking on an invigorating journey as a team.

Together, we delve into the findings, identifying key areas that warrant our collective attention. The data strongly indicates that by openly sharing the results, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and selecting specific initiatives to pursue, we can significantly enhance our levels of engagement and commitment. This critical phase marks the beginning of our transformative efforts, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and propelling us towards higher levels of excellence.

 

The Path Forward: Being the Best at People

inspire growthOur decision to engage with Gallup as our employee survey provider reinforces our commitment to leading from the front and being the best at people.

By proactively seeking insights, leveraging Gallup’s expertise, fostering open communication, and driving continuous improvement, we set a new standard for excellence in our industry. Investing in our people will undoubtedly yield significant dividends, ensuring a thriving organization that attracts and retains top talent while delivering exceptional value to our clients.

Together with Gallup, we embark on an exciting path of growth and success, destined to reach new heights.

Julie Catalano

Author:
Julie Catalano
Chief People Officer

Julie brings more than 20 years of senior leadership in human resources, organizational culture, and business strategy. Prior to Bespoke, she served as Vice President, Global Human Resources at Vertex Inc. and has held multiple key leadership roles across the HR disciplines at Vanguard.

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Chief People Officer Perspective: An Inside View of Talent’s Role in Value Creation

Chief People Officer Perspective: An Inside View of Talent’s Role in Value Creation

the people perspective

Chief People Officer Perspective: An Inside View of Talent’s Role in Value Creation

Authored By Julie Catalano

Julie Catalano

In Bespoke’s Private Equity Talent Benchmark Report, we discuss the rise of the Chief People Officer (CPO) role as a key industry trend.

Private equity firms invest in companies with the goal of increasing their value and generating a return on investment for their investors. However, the success of these investments relies heavily on the talent within the portfolio companies.

In fact, talent is considered the chief method and lever of value creation in private equity investments.

This is where the role of the CPO comes into play. As I celebrate my first year with Bespoke Partners as the company’s first CPO, I’m reflecting on how our internal human capital agenda has been a critical strategic lever to drive our own profitable growth.

Private equity firms can best achieve raising the talent thesis to drive value creation through human capital strategy implementation, led by the CPO.

While not all-inclusive, here are four human capital priorities that became Bespoke’s “Talent North Star” over the past 12 months:

  1. Develop a strong human capital strategy

We developed a strong human capital strategy that tightly aligned with our overall business strategy and growth goals.

This involved understanding our unique talent needs, how talent would be leveraged to create value, identifying gaps in the current workforce, and creating a plan to attract, retain and develop top talent. I call this “staying on the talent offensive.”

 

  1. Develop leadership capabilities

Leadership is critical to the success of any organization, and this is especially true in private equity backed firms.

Strong leaders drive growth, inspire teams, and make tough decisions that lead to success. We identified and developed leadership capabilities through the launch of Bespoke University, creating leadership development programs, coaching, and mentoring programs, as well as best-in-class talent management systems that attend to talent identification and succession planning approaches.

 

  1. Drive performance and operational excellence

We stood up a new functional reporting structure and operating model for our client-facing roles, and in doing so, we bolstered our high-performing culture.

This included setting clear expectations, measuring performance, providing feedback and coaching, and offering rewards and recognition for high performers. At Bespoke, our goal is to normalize a culture where feedback is evergreen and a part of us getting better together every day.

 

  1. Nurture a positive culture

Finally, but most importantly, we worked together to nurture our positive culture.

Knowing that our values drive our culture, we assembled a cross-functional team to reimagine the values that will help us in this next chapter of Bespoke’s journey.

This includes creating a supportive and inclusive work environment, promoting employee engagement and well-being, and ensuring that the company values and mission are reflected in all aspects of the business.

It is important to highlight that none of this would have been achieved if it were not for the support of our CEO, founder, private equity sponsors and board of directors.

They believe in the power of talent as the lever for value creation and the CPO’s role as a key resource to drive profitable growth in private equity backed firms.

 

Through developing a strong human capital strategy, developing leadership capabilities, driving performance and operational excellence, and nurturing a positive culture, the CPO can help portfolio companies achieve their investment thesis and generate an outsized return on investment for investors.

 

Learn more about our views on human capital talent by clicking here.

You can find out more about our team and our culture here.

Julie Catalano

Author:
Julie Catalano
Chief People Officer

Julie brings more than 20 years of senior leadership in human resources, organizational culture, and business strategy. Prior to Bespoke, she served as Vice President, Global Human Resources at Vertex Inc. and has held multiple key leadership roles across the HR disciplines at Vanguard.

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Women in Leadership: Let’s Share Our Journeys on International Women’s Day

Women in Leadership: Let’s Share Our Journeys on International Women’s Day

the people perspective

Women in Leadership: Let’s Share Our Journeys on International Women’s Day

Authored By Julie Catalano

Julie Catalano

“Here’s to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”  — Unknown 

In honor of International Women’s Day (IWD), I wanted to take this opportunity to share some insights on my role as Chief People Officer at Bespoke Partners, my journey as a working mother, and the enormous passion I feel for supporting women in leadership everywhere.

As the youngest of seven children, I watched my mother break the glass ceiling and become one of the few female business leaders of her generation. The only daughter of an Italian immigrant, my mother understood the value of education and the importance of breaking through barriers and stereotypes associated with being a woman in business.  

I am enormously proud of my mother’s persistence and determination, and how she has created a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of women to follow in her footsteps. 

I am keenly aware that my success is the direct result of the generous advocacy I’ve received from my parents, my mentors, and my leaders throughout my life. As a mother and a C-suite executive, I also understand my responsibility to pay it forward by bringing others along.

By empowering the next generation of female leaders, I hope to do my part in building a future where gender equality is the norm and where women can achieve success in any field they choose. It’s inspiring to see how the world is changing, and how my teenage daughter sees the world with endless possibilities. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing my mentees learn, grow and move on to roles of greater responsibility!

On balance, I would not be 100% honest if I told you that it’s been easy to successfully navigate the challenges of balancing a career and motherhood. In fact, I don’t believe that work-life balance is a reasonable expectation;  for me the secret has been understanding the art of work-life integration and giving myself some slack.

It’s important to recognize that being a working parent can be difficult, and it’s okay to have setbacks and challenges along the way. I found that having mentors and sponsors who believed in me and supported my goals made a huge difference in overcoming those challenges and achieving success. And today, as my children are now 15 and 18, I am well positioned to support and guide other working parents who face similar struggles. 

Leadership development is a crucial aspect of any organization’s growth and success, and we recognize that having a diverse group of leaders can bring unique perspectives and ideas to the table.

At Bespoke, we have significant female representation in our senior leadership roles, and we also are committed to supporting our clients to do the same by ensuring their candidate pools are diverse; we have some dynamic role models in this space.

We were founded by working mother Kristie Nova, and our current CEO Eric Walczykowski is the son of a working mother.

Eric has shared his mother’s experiences as a female executive in the ‘80s and how they have had such a profound impact on his desire to mentor and advocate for women in leadership.

By having this dialogue, Eric acknowledges the challenges that women have faced historically in the workplace and demonstrates his active commitment and sponsorship around creating more equitable opportunities for women in leadership roles.  

On IWD, it is an honor to support and celebrate the strength of women. At Bespoke Partners, we recognize and honor the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of women, and empower women to reach their full potential.  

Bespoke IWD 2023

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How Our Culture Enables Our Exceptional Team to Build Exceptional Teams

How Our Culture Enables Our Exceptional Team to Build Exceptional Teams

the people perspective

How Our Culture Enables Our Exceptional Team to Build Exceptional Teams

Authored By Julie Catalano

Julie Catalano

At Bespoke Partners, we are in the business of building exceptional teams for our clients. Leadership talent is the primary factor in value creation for the private equity backed companies we work with.

We believe that it takes an exceptional team to build those exceptional teams.

At Bespoke Partners, we are in the business of building exceptional teams for our clients. Leadership talent is the primary factor in value creation for the private equity backed companies we work with.

We believe that it takes an exceptional team to build those exceptional teams.

BESPOKE UNIVERSITYThat’s why we invest in making our workplace and environment an enriching and motivating place to work. Central to that is Bespoke Partners’ unique culture and values.

If you are in the human capital space and considering your next role, let me detail some reasons that Bespoke Partners should be on your short-list of firms to consider. As our CEO often says, “a role at Bespoke Partners will be the best job you will ever have.”

 

Bespoke’s Employee Value Proposition

Bespoke places a strong emphasis on its culture and values as key components of our Employee Value Proposition (EVP). Our EVP defines what we offer our employees in terms of benefits, opportunities, and experiences. By reinforcing our EVP through our culture and values, we are creating a consistent and aligned work environment that employees can believe in and feel proud to be a part of.

Our culture and values play crucial roles in shaping the workplace experience for our employees, including their sense of purpose, engagement, and satisfaction. We believe that a strong and positive culture can lead to increased employee morale, productivity, and retention, all of which can have a significant impact on the overall success of our business.

At Bespoke, our culture and values are not just words on paper. We actively live and demonstrate them in how we lead and how we work together. This is achieved through open communication, employee recognition and rewards programs, and regularly reinforcing and celebrating the behaviors that align with them.

By putting culture and values at the forefront of our EVP, we are setting our organization apart and attracting employees who are looking for a fulfilling and meaningful work experience.

 

Bespoke Winning Valuesbespoke team image

Our 4 core values play a critical role in shaping and guiding our organizational culture:

  • Invest in Others’ Success
  • Be Memorable
  • Inspire Growth
  • Winners Win

These core values are the important beliefs and principles guiding our decision-making and actions. Our values provide a foundation for how we interact with each other and serve as a unifying force for everyone in the organization.

When values drive an organizational culture, it creates a clear and consistent set of expectations for everyone within the organization. This can lead to a more positive work environment, as employees understand what is expected of them and how they can contribute to the success of the organization.

Additionally, when values are integrated into all aspects of the workplace, from recruitment to performance management, it sends a powerful message to employees that they are valued and that their contributions are appreciated. This can lead to increased employee engagement, job satisfaction, and commitment to the organization.

To ensure our values are driving our culture, we communicate them clearly and consistently, and model the desired behavior through the actions and decisions of leadership.

Let’s explore these values further.

 

Invest in Others’ Success

Investing in others’ success means taking a proactive and intentional approach to helping others reach their goals and potential. This can take many forms, from providing guidance and mentorship, to offering opportunities for learning and growth, to advocating for others within the organization.

Investing in others’ success can have a number of benefits for both the individual and the organization. For example, we recently launched Bespoke University, a program that enables our team members to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their current role and beyond. This can lead to improved performance, increased job satisfaction, and a more positive and engaged workforce.

Additionally, when we invest in others’ success, we are also creating a culture of collaboration and mutual support, where everyone feels empowered to contribute and succeed. We see this resulting in more innovation and creativity, as well as a more positive and supportive work environment for everyone.

It’s important to remember that investing in others’ success is not just about providing resources, but also about fostering a culture of trust and respect. This involves actively listening to and valuing the perspectives and contributions of others and providing constructive feedback to help them grow and improve. By doing so, we can create a positive and supportive work environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.

 

Be Memorablebe memorable

Being memorable is all about being genuine, authentic, and making a positive impact on those we interact with, both internally and externally. When we bring our authentic self, we also bring our unique strengths, personality, and perspectives to the table, which can help to build strong relationships and a positive reputation.

In today’s competitive business environment, delivering an exceptional and differentiated experience is more important than ever. Our focus is on delivering high-quality service, demonstrating empathy and understanding, and going above and beyond to meet the needs of our clients and candidates. By doing this we create a memorable and positive experience that sets us apart from the competition.

It’s also important to remember that being memorable is not just about the big, flashy moments. It’s also about the little things that add up over time. For example, paying attention to detail, taking the time to understand others’ perspectives, and demonstrating a genuine interest in their success can all contribute to a memorable and positive impression.

Ultimately, by being our authentic selves and delivering an exceptional and differentiated experience, we are not only helping to build a positive reputation for ourselves, but also for our organization. We are demonstrating a commitment to excellence, and helping to build a strong, positive, and lasting relationship with our clients and candidates.

 

Inspire Growthinspire growth

Having a growth mindset and demonstrating learning agility are key to personal and professional development, as well as to the success of organizations. A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. We approach challenges and obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as insurmountable roadblocks.

Demonstrating learning agility means being open to new ideas and approaches, and having the ability to quickly adapt and respond to change. This requires a willingness to continuously learn and grow, and to experiment and take calculated risks.

By seeking out new approaches to solve problems, we are demonstrating an innovative and forward-thinking mindset that is essential for success in today’s rapidly changing business environment. By continuously challenging the status quo and seeking out new and better ways of doing things, we can help to drive innovation and progress, and position ourselves and Bespoke for success.

It’s important to remember that a growth mindset and learning agility are not just about acquiring new knowledge. It’s also about applying it in real-world situations. We need to be willing to put new ideas into action, to reflect on our experiences, and to continuously improve and evolve.

By embracing a growth mindset and demonstrating learning agility, we are positioning ourselves for success in our personal and professional lives and helping to drive progress and innovation within Bespoke.

 

Winners Winwinners

Being resilient and optimistic, and embracing a positive outlook can be incredibly valuable, both personally and professionally. With a positive mindset, we are more likely to view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as insurmountable roadblocks.

The “Winners Win” value means that even when you experience a setback, you learn from it and improve. That turns what might seem like a loss into a win.

It’s important to remember that resilience is not just about bouncing back from setbacks and failures. It’s also about maintaining a positive outlook and continue pursuing our goals, even in the face of adversity.

By looking for the silver lining and finding opportunities in challenging circumstances, we can stay focused on our goals and keep moving forward. We can do that even when faced with obstacles and setbacks. And by extracting lessons from both successes and failures, we continuously learn and grow, and position ourselves for future success.

Remembering that “winners always win” can also be a useful mindset to adopt, as it reinforces the belief that with hard work and determination, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals. By approaching each challenge with a positive and resilient mindset, we can stay motivated, focused, and confident, and increase our chances of success.

In summary, being resilient, optimistic, and embracing a positive outlook can help us all maintain a growth mindset, continuously learn and grow, and position ourselves for success, both personally and professionally.

 

Joining Bespoke Partnersbespoke team image

Building exceptional teams for our clients starts with building our own exceptional team. Our culture and values are central to that effort and I feel honored that every day I get to work with such amazing professionals who embrace and live the values I have outlined here.

Are you considering your next move in executive recruiting or human capital advisory consulting?  Drop us a line and let’s talk about how a role at Bespoke might be the best you will ever have.

 

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